Monday, July 1, 2013

Clear day hike July 1, 2013

Seven hearty folks went up a valley behind the Moulds' home. As we ascended we noticed that smoky remnants of the big fire were vanishing.  As we came down, we saw intense blue sky playing with real clouds (not smoke).  That means it was a great second re-start for hiking.
 
Thanks to Linda and Wayne for their hospitality and refreshments at their colorful home with a beautiful mule, horse, and an amusing dog.
 
People are back in South Fork now.  At a joint church service yesterday, every seat at New Hope Chapel was filled and Rev. Haskin's sermon both comforted and inspired.  Spot fires near here are getting prompt attention from helicopters dropping water on them.  We're all thankful for the "saving of South Fork" and the return to a very normal-looking landscape. 
 
Tomorrow--a Tough Hike--will take a long upward trail at good speed (so we can get back down again in decent time).
We hope to reach Fremont's Christmas Camp from the Cathedral Campground, then follow the same route down hill as Fremont's teams did in early 1849.  Length round trip 10-12 miles. If weather or other factors prohibit this, we'll choose another good conditioning hike if possible.  Meet at the Visitor Center before 9 a.m. on Tuesday.
 
--Doug Knudson
 
The Moulds' Estate, our starting and ending point

 



Beautiful aspen in a lovely valley

 



One color of rose

 



The gentle valley

 



Cut-leaf evening primrose

 



the ubiquitous pink wild rose

 



Excelllent views north of the trail

 



Blue skies reigned after more than a week of smoke

 

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